Zimbabwe has declared a national disaster due to the El Niño-induced drought, with the country’s president saying it needs US$2 billion for humanitarian assistance.
Delilah Takawira, technical advisor for FHI 360 in Zimbabwe and a nutritionist, says:
“We are seeing a 70% reduction in harvest yields coupled with dramatic increases in the cost of essentials where we work in Mutare, Buhera, Chivi and Zaka districts in the southeast. People already had very limited access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods; with the drought — on top of the existing conditions — we fear a food crisis across the country.
“Our program promotes healthy behaviors and habits to reduce malnutrition. However, no behavior can replace the lack of food.
“Women and children are the most vulnerable, but millions are at risk of moderate and severe acute malnutrition. We need to strengthen nutrition response systems, including training health workers and ensuring necessary supplies to diagnose and treat malnutrition.”
